violence-against-women

Zonta Club of Cebu I hosts workshop on child abuse and online sexual exploitation

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In response to the alarming rise in cases of child abuse and online sexual exploitation (OSEC), the Zonta Club of Cebu I, Philippines, held a vital workshop titled “How to Spot and Deal with Child Abuse and OSEC” on 16, 18 and 21 October. This workshop brought together 120 participants, including school guidance counselors, teachers, student leaders and selected members of the UV Golden Z Club from Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City and Talisay City.

Acknowledging the critical role that education professionals play in identifying and supporting victims, the workshop emphasized the importance of school-based interventions in addressing violence against women and children, as well as gender-based violence. Marilou Gallarde, RSW, President of the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI) Cebu Chapter, facilitated the sessions, offering essential insights into the complex nature of these issues and practical strategies for intervention.

This initiative was part of the club’s Women Empowerment (WE) Hub Project and received funding support from WRAAP. The workshop not only provided attendees with valuable knowledge but also reinforced the commitment of Cebu’s community sectors to combat abuse and promote safer, more supportive environments for children.

Zonta Clubs in Taiwan celebrate 105 years and advocate against violence

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In celebration of Zonta International’s 105th anniversary and the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign, the Zonta Club of Hsinchu, Taiwan, hosted a one-day gathering at a popular persimmon farm. The event included members from five clubs: Zonta Clubs of Taipei III, Miaoli, Metropolis and Changhua.

Despite a challenging typhoon, the event was a success, fostering fellowship among Zontians from different counties and reinforcing cross-club connections. “Happy 105th birthday, Zonta! Let’s move on to another 105!” cheered participants, marking a resilient and spirited celebration of the organization’s legacy and advocacy.

I am RADA campaign launches to combat domestic violence

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On 2 November, all Bulgarian clubs of Zonta International launched the I am RADA project to combat domestic violence, with initiatives across Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse and Stara Zagora. The campaign features the Rada doll, a symbol of support for victims of domestic violence, positioned in public places alongside orange-painted benches illuminating parks and streets. Each doll carries a QR code linking to the “HELP ME” app, developed by the National Office for Legal Assistance, where victims can access resources and contacts for support.

District 30 Governor Yana Gencheva emphasized that the campaign aims to protect all victims, including men, affected by violence. “Rada is our hope and belief for a world without violence, a world where everyone has equal rights,” said Diana Ivanova, director of Area 05, District 30.

As part of the campaign, Zonta encourages citizens to show their support by taking photos with the Rada dolls and sharing them on social media with the hashtag #АзСамРада. The project is supported by the Bulgarian Women’s Fund and the European Union and aims to foster a culture of respect and safety for all.

Zonta Club of Basel says NO to psychological violence

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The Zonta Club of Basel, Switzerland, took part in numerous activities during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
from 25 November to 10 December.

As the main focus this year in Switzerland is psychological violence, also called mental abuse, the club wanted to make invisible violence visible!

More than 40% of women in Europe are affected by experiences of psychological violence. 20% of women have experienced stalking at least once in their life. Patriarchal structures, the devaluation of women and unequal power relations constitute the breeding ground for this violence. These social relations also lead to the trivialization of gender-based violence.

The club raised awareness of the issue by creating cartoons representing ten typical situations of mental abuse, such as generating feelings of guilt, stalking, humiliation, financial pressure, belittling and more, which are often subtle and invisible from the outside.

These cartoons are exhibited in several public spaces at various locations in Basel, such as the University hospital, University library, open neighborhood meeting points, high schools, restaurants, shops and more, where women (and men) from any age and any social or cultural background could watch at their own pace, without being observed.

“These cartoons are a wonderful way to catch people’s attention and make them think of this type of domestic violence,” said a host.

The exhibition was opened on 25 November by the head of violence protection and victim support, Sonia Roest Vontobel, and the government councilor of the Canton of Basel City, Stefanie Eymann.

Stefanie highlighted the role of every party, from local associations to competent authorities, on this major issue.

“Psychological violence happens very often within one’s own four walls. Therefore, projects have been started to increase the sensitization of people and to provide tools and proposals for support and help,” said Stefanie.

To make the impact of this campaign more visible, media and social media coverage were very supportive, and the club promoted the campaign through local TV, radio, and the press. Information and addresses are also provided where women and girls can turn if necessary.

With this, Vice Club President Christina Rheinhardt and the club encourage people to think of their behavior and promote non-violent behavior.

Finally, every year, the club continued the Orange the World campaign by lighting orange buildings in the city center, which ties in with one of the most significant annual advocacy campaigns, Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women.